MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has instructed all unit commanders to maintain the fight against loose firearms despite the end of the election gun ban on June 11.

Torre revealed that PNP data indicated 3,616 individuals were apprehended, and 3,702 firearms were seized during the gun ban period that commenced on Jan. 12.

He attributed this robust enforcement to the relatively peaceful and credible 2025 mid-term national and local elections.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who advocated for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of the polls, played a crucial role in fostering a climate of peace and public order.

"We will not ease up. The conclusion of the gun ban signifies a transition, not a conclusion. The PNP is dedicated to preserving peace, preventing gun-related violence, and safeguarding every Filipino from crime and disorder," Torre stated.

Torre commended the entire police force and partner agencies for their steadfast commitment to upholding peace and enforcing the law during the election period.

He acknowledged that this achievement was the product of collective efforts - from the frontline personnel manning checkpoints around the clock to the community support and the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who stressed the importance of secure and credible elections as a national priority.

The PNP expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation and vigilance, ensuring that law enforcement operations will continue post-election to maintain safety and security nationwide.

According to the National Election Monitoring Action Center report, the PNP conducted 998,679 Commission on Elections checkpoints across the country. (PNA)